Human Resources Assistant (Employee Benefits) - HR Navigator

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/06/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience GS-5: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Assisting with tasks such as, collecting documentation or reviewing forms for accuracy. Providing customer service through phone, email, or walk-in support. Using automated systems to enter or retrieve data. Supporting administrative processes such as payroll documentation, form completion, or employee inquiry intake. Prepares and types various correspondence, follow-up meeting arrangements, and similar functions required to administer operations. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 4 years above high school OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. Specialized Experience GS-6: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Serving as an onboarding point of contact for selectees and coordinating pre-employment requirements. Reviewing personnel documents and identifying discrepancies. Providing benefits guidance such as Health, Life, Dental, Vision, Retirement, and other benefit programs. Conducting benefits enrollment and reviewing forms for accuracy/compliance. Providing HR customer support and triaging inquiries. Submitting and tracking HR troubleshooting tickets. Using HR information systems to upload documents, maintain data integrity, and process actions. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

The Human Resources (HR) Navigator serves three primary functions: (1) As a centralized onboarding and workforce navigation resource within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA); (2) providing Tier 1 HR support to current employees, connecting customers with appropriate HR teams responsive to customers' queries; and (3) providing education, researching and correction of discrepancies, and full range assistant level support for benefits and leave programs across the facility. The role ensures timely hiring, regulatory compliance, workforce readiness, benefits enrollment education, HR system data accuracy and positive employee experiences for the on-site workforce it serves. Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Onboarding and Pre-Employment Coordination Serves as the primary point of contact for selectees from tentative job offer through Entry on Duty (EOD). Coordinates pre-employment steps with new hires. Helps new employees submit required forms and completes pre-hire checks. Supports scheduling and communication throughout the onboarding process. Monitors and tracks onboarding progress, identifies delays, and ensures timely completion of requirements. Supports the completion of pre-employment requirements such as background checks, fingerprinting, physical exams, drug testing, and driving record reviews, and helps new hires finish any additional steps needed before starting work. Employee HR Support & Customer Service Conducts New Employee In-Processing and prepares first-day documentation. Serves as an on-site HR customer support representative handling inquiries via walk-in, phone, email, and ticketing systems. Provides assistance with pay processes, payroll briefings, tax withholding, and direct deposit. Reviews employee records, identifies discrepancies, and gathers information for resolution. Provides assistance to employees regarding HR-related questions and processes. Helps resolve basic HR issues and directs employees to the correct resources. Submits and tracks payroll service requests. Screens and resolves routine HR inquiries and refers complex issues to HR Specialists. Benefits Program Support Provides guidance and support to employees on their federal benefit programs, including health insurance, life insurance, dental and vision coverage, retirement savings plans, childcare assistance, and transit benefits. Meets with employees to explain benefits options and provide individualized guidance. Conducts new hire benefits enrollment, reviews forms for accuracy, and uploads required documentation. Supports Open Season communications and enrollment activities. Assists employees with benefits-related changes tied to qualifying life events. HR Systems Processing Uploads and verifies documentation in HR systems and the electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF). Uses HR systems to submit tickets, process benefits updates, and maintain HR data accuracy. Ensures records and documentation meet compliance requirements. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: May be available and will be discussed with the hiring office. Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework availability depends on location and service line and is not guaranteed. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Human Resources Assistant (Employee Benefits) - HR Navigator/PD99250-S and PD99251-S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized